William Boyd McCollum, 81, was shot and killed on the afternoon of April 26, 2016, just outside the Cockrell Funeral Home in Macon, Mississippi. The location—an otherwise quiet setting associated with remembrance—made the attack especially jarring for the local community. McCollum, a Shuqualak resident and U.S. Navy veteran who retired as a Senior Chief from the submarine force, later worked in offshore drilling and for the Shuqualak Oil Company. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Details about motive and the circumstances leading up to the shooting are sparse. Local law enforcement opened an investigation, but reports available up to this date do not disclose arrests, suspects, charges or a public resolution. The family and the town were left seeking answers after the killing.

If anyone knew William, witnessed activity outside Cockrell Funeral Home on April 26, 2016, or has information about this homicide, please share what is known.